Karen Laser
Office: 760-801-0840
Karen Laser is a seasoned professional in policing and security, offering over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and consultancy. As the President of Laser Consulting, Inc., she specializes in expert witnessing and consulting on police and security best practices. Her extensive career includes leadership roles as a Police Sergeant and Lieutenant with the Oceanside Police Department, where she managed vital units such as SWAT, Robbery-Homicide, K-9, Psychological Evaluation Response Team, and Internal Affairs.
Karen oversaw both criminal and administrative investigations that involved violent crimes, policy violations, officer-involved shootings, critical incidents, and the use of force. As the Department's Special Event Coordinator, she planned and organized large-scale special events such as the City of Oceanside’s July 4th celebrations, music concerts, and sporting events. This coordination involved multiple entities such as Security, Law Enforcement, Fire, and Legal Affairs.
Karen's expertise spans premises liability, police background and hiring practices, and compliance with law enforcement and security standards. Holding advanced certifications in law enforcement, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice, she has contributed to hundreds of cases, providing insight and expert analysis to support legal proceedings. Her consulting practice ensures informed and ethical resolutions in complex legal and operational matters.
- Crime Foreseeability
- Deadly/Excessive Force
- Law Enforcement
- Police Procedures
- Premises Liability
- Security Guards
- Security Management
- Violent Crimes
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: Bachelor's Degree - Psychology
Master's Degree - Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement
CA POST Leadership and Accounting Certificate
LEXIPOL - Internal Affairs Certification - Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: Senior Consultant Kephart Consulting, LLC
Member - International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
Member - ASIS International
Member - California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards, and Associates (CALSAGA)
Member - California Association of Hostage Negotiators (CAHN)
Member - National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) - Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: Instructor - Officer Involved Shootings
Speaker - Brandeis University National Committee - Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
- A: No
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Premises Liability
Security Practices
Police Practices
Police/Security Use of Force
Wrongful Death
Sexual Harassment/Discrimination
Crowd Management/Control
Prison Related Deaths
Gang/Nuicanse Abatement
SWAT Operations - Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: 40%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: 60%
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: September 2024
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: 4
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Consulting, expert reports, site inspections, case review, court/deposition testimony
- Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: $400.00
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $400.00
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $500.00
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $4,000.00 per day
Available Upon Request